Color Coding System for PVC Pipes and Couplings

ABSTRACT

A system of visual and non-visual marks for PVC pipes and couplings which allows users to group PVC pipes and couplings by type, size, and composition with a series of colors, shapes, swirls, patterns. The series of colors, shapes, swirls, patterns are applied to the PVC pipes and couplings by etching, painting, applying stickers, and or molding into the PVC itself. The non-visual mark utilize the magnetic and radio reflective nature of the marks to allow remote identification of the plumbing pipes and couplings after being buried.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of poly-vinylchloride “PVC” pipes and couplings and the ability of users to quicklydetermine the type of PVC pipes and PVC couplings from a glance withoutusing tools to measure the diameters of the PVC pipes and PVC couplings.

2. Description of Related Art

Pipes and couplings for pipes are typically not marked in a way thatplumbers and users can readily glance at the fittings and the pipes todetermine the size, composition, and configuration of the fittings andpipes used. Some pipes are color coded as to their composition orschedule. Some example include: coppered colored copper pipe; greyschedule 80 PVC; black acylonitrile-butadiene-styrene “ABS” pipe; andlight blue polybutylene “PB” pipes. While having pipes color coded as tocomposition helps users determine the composition, there is no easy wayfor users of pipes to quickly and easily select proper fittings frommerely looking at the pipes and fittings.

When a user is ready to assembly a pipe to a fitting they select thepipe based upon the requirements of the installation and then select thefittings to attach the pipe as needed. To insure that the selectedfittings are the proper fittings and matched to the selected pipe, thefittings must be measured and compared to the measurements of the pipe.Alternatively, the user test fits the fittings on the pipes to check thefit. If the needed fitting is in a bin with other non-needed fittingsthen the user must repeated measure or check to find the right fittingin the bin of fittings, thereby wasting time. Currently somemanufacturers color the packaging the plumbing fixtures are shipped inbased on size. However, color coding packing does not help the user whenthe plumbing fixture is removed from the package.

Referring to FIG. 1 in the drawings, a prior art embodiment of a PVCpipe and PVC coupling according to the present application isillustrated. Plumbing system 101 is a depiction of a typicalinstallation of PVC pipes and PVC fittings. Plumbing system 101 includesa first pipe 111, a second pipe 115, a third pipe 121, a forth pipe 125,and a fifth pipe 131. Connecting first pipe 111 to second pipe 115 is areducing tee 135 coupled to fifth pipe 131. Connecting second pipe 115to third pipe 121 is an elbow 141. Connecting third pipe 121 to forthpipe 125 is a reducer 145. A plumber cannot visually look at system 101and verify that the proper sized fittings were used. This forces theplumber to measure each fitting to check compliance. Furthermore, aninspector trying to validate the work the plumber's completed cannotreadily check the size of the fittings because they are glued together.The inspector could measure the outside of the fittings and compare theouter diameter to the expected outer diameter, however that method islabor intensive and potentially unreliable due to the variance infitting construction. While there are many ways to mark plumbingfixtures well known in the art, considerable room for improvementremains.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of thepresent application are set forth in the appended claims. However, theembodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and furtherobjectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referenceto the following detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of PVC pipes and couplings according to thepresent application;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a color coding system for PVCpipes and couplings according to the present application;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of a color coding system for PVCpipes and couplings according to the present application;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a color coding systemfor PVC pipes and couplings according to the present application;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of a color coding system for PVCpipes and couplings according to the present application;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of a color coding system for PVCpipes and couplings according to the present application;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of a color coding system for PVCpipes and couplings according to the present application;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an embodiment of a color coding system for PVCpipes and couplings according to the present application;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an embodiment of a color coding system for PVCpipes and couplings according to the present application; and

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an embodiment of a color coding system for PVCpipes and couplings according to the present application.

While the assembly and method of the present application is susceptibleto various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodimentsthereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are hereindescribed in detail. It should be understood, however, that thedescription herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit theinvention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of color coding PVCpipes and couplings are provided below. It will of course be appreciatedthat in the development of any actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve thedeveloper's specific goals, such as compliance with assembly-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

A color coding system for PVC pipes and couplings which allows users togroup plumbing articles by type, size, and composition with a series ofcolors, shapes, swirls, patterns. The series of colors, shapes, swirls,patterns are applied to the plumbing articles by etching, painting,applying stickers, molding, anodizing, plating, texturing, and orembedding materials into the plumbing articles themselves. Preferablythe series of colors, shapes, swirls, and patterns are incorporated intothe plumbing articles such that they are irreplaceable andnon-removable. Non-removable marks prevent the marking system from beingchanged from one installation to another. Therefore, users in a decadecan rely on the certain pattern being a certain way and not changed bythe installer. Plumbing articles as contemplated by this applicationinclude but are not limited to; pipes; fittings; couplings; reducers;tees; elbows; tubing; and adapters. Preferably the plumbing articles arefabricated from PVC, however alternative embodiments are fabricated fromrubber, copper, plastic, aluminum, or steel.

Pipes are fabricated in various sizes such as: ⅛″; ¼″; ⅜′; ½″; ¾″; 1″;1-¼″; 1-½″; 2″; 2-½″; 3″. . . Fittings or couplings are fabricated invarious sizes to properly couple together pipes. The size of thecouplings are determined by the size of the pipes to be coupled. Thisapplication contemplates selecting a color for each size of pipe. Forexample 1″ pipe would be assigned a blue color and a 1-¼″ pipe would beassigned a green color. Fittings suitable for 1″ pipe would also beassigned the same blue color and fittings for 1-¼″ pipes assigned thesame green color. Coloring the fittings to the pipes helps users selectand check the proper fittings to the pipes are used.

Referring now also to FIG. 2 in the drawings, an embodiment of a colorcoding system for PVC pipes and couplings according to the presentapplication is illustrated. Plumbing system 201 is a depiction of animproved installation of PVC pipes and PVC fittings. Plumbing system 201includes a first pipe 211, a second pipe 215, a third pipe 221, a forthpipe 225, and a fifth pipe 231. Connecting first pipe 211 to second pipe215 is a reducing tee 235 also coupled to fifth pipe 231. Reducing tee235 has three ports: first port 235 a, second port 235 b, and third port235 c. First port 235 a and 235 b have the same diameter, while port 235c has a reduced diameter compared to 235 a or 235 b. Connecting secondpipe 215 to third pipe 221 is an elbow 241. Connecting third pipe 221 toforth pipe 225 is a reducer 245. A plumber or user can visually look atsystem 201 and verify that the proper sized fittings were used. Whatallows a user to visually look at system 201 and be able to verify theproper sized fittings in relation to pipes were used are the color codeson the pipes and fittings.

First mark 251 is located a set distance from the end of the first pipe211 such that the first mark 251 remains visible while coupled to theadjacent reducing tee 235. Second mark 255 is located a set distanceaway from the end of reducing tee 235. Because first pipe 211 and thereducing tee 235 are properly sized to couple together first mark 251 isidentical in color to second mark 255. The applicant used similarhatching in first mark 251 and second mark 255 to indicate that thecolor is the same. The hatching does not indicate a difference inmaterials just a change in color.

Third mark 259 is located a set distance from the end of the fifth pipe231 such that the third mark 259 remains visible while coupled to theadjacent reducing tee 235. Forth mark 261 is located a set distance awayfrom the end of reducing tee 235. Because fifth pipe 231 and thereducing tee 235 are properly sized to couple together third mark 259 isidentical in color to forth mark 261. The applicant used similarhatching in third mark 259 and forth mark 261 to indicate that the coloris the same. The hatching does not indicate a difference in materialsjust a change in color. It should be apparent that the color of firstmark 251 is different than forth mark 261 to indicate the difference indiameter between the coupling and the pipe.

Referring now also to FIG. 3 in the drawings, an embodiment of a colorcoding system for PVC pipes and couplings according to the presentapplication is illustrated. Plumbing system 301 is a depiction of animproved installation of PVC pipes and PVC fittings. Plumbing system 301includes a first pipe 311, a second pipe 315, a third pipe 321, a forthpipe 325, and a fifth pipe 331. Connecting first pipe 311 to second pipe315 is a reducing tee 335 also coupled to fifth pipe 331. Reducing tee335 has three ports: first port 335 a, second port 335 b, and third port335 c. First port 335 a and 335 b have the same diameter, while port 335c has a reduced diameter compared to 335 a or 335 b. Connecting secondpipe 315 to third pipe 321 is an elbow 341. Connecting third pipe 321 toforth pipe 325 is a reducer 345. A plumber or user can visually look atsystem 301 and verify that the proper sized fittings were used. Whatallows a user to visually look at system 301 and be able to verify theproper sized fittings in relation to pipes were used are the color codeson the pipes and fittings.

First mark 351 is located a set distance from the end of the first pipe311 such that the first mark 351 remains visible while coupled to theadjacent reducing tee 335. Second mark 355 is located a set distanceaway from the end of reducing tee 335. Because first pipe 311 and thereducing tee 335 are properly sized to couple together first mark 351 isidentical in color to second mark 355. The applicant used similarhatching in first mark 351 and second mark 355 to indicate that thecolor is the same. The hatching does not indicate a difference inmaterials just a change in color.

Third mark 359 is located a set distance from the end of the fifth pipe331 such that the third mark 359 remains visible while coupled to theadjacent reducing tee 335. Forth mark 361 is located a set distance awayfrom the end of reducing tee 335. Because fifth pipe 331 and thereducing tee 335 are properly sized to couple together third mark 359 isidentical in color to forth mark 361. The applicant used similarhatching in third mark 359 and forth mark 361 to indicate that the coloris the same. The hatching does not indicate a difference in materialsjust a change in color. It should be apparent that the color of firstmark 351 is different than forth mark 361 to indicate the difference indiameter between the coupling and the pipe. It should be apparent thatthe difference between system 201 and system 301 is that system 301includes a plurality of mark arrayed around the diameter of the pipesand fittings. Arraying the marks facilitates easy recognition of thepipes and fittings without regards to the relative position of the marksto the user.

Referring now also to FIG. 4 in the drawings, a preferred embodiment ofa color coding system for PVC pipes and couplings according to thepresent application is illustrated. Plumbing system 401 is a depictionof an improved installation of PVC pipes and PVC fittings. Plumbingsystem 401 includes a first pipe 411, a second pipe 415, a third pipe421, a forth pipe 425, and a fifth pipe 431. Connecting first pipe 411to second pipe 415 is a reducing tee 435 also coupled to fifth pipe 431.Reducing tee 435 has three ports: first port 435 a, second port 435 b,and third port 435 c. First port 435 a and 435 b have the same diameter,while port 435 c has a reduced diameter compared to 435 a or 435 b.Connecting second pipe 415 to third pipe 421 is an elbow 441. Connectingthird pipe 421 to forth pipe 425 is a reducer 445. A plumber or user canvisually look at system 401 and verify that the proper sized fittingswere used. What allows a user to visually look at system 401 and be ableto verify the proper sized fittings in relation to pipes were used arethe color codes on the pipes and fittings.

First mark 451 is located on the first pipe 411 such that the first mark451 remains visible while coupled to the adjacent reducing tee 435 andis candy striped in a curved or helical pattern down the length of thepipe. Second mark 455 is located a set distance away from the end ofreducing tee 435. Because first pipe 411 and the reducing tee 435 areproperly sized to couple together first mark 451 is identical in colorto second mark 455. The applicant used similar hatching in first mark451 and second mark 455 to indicate that the color is the same. Thehatching does not indicate a difference in materials just a change incolor.

Third mark 459 is located on the fifth pipe 431 such that the third mark459 remains visible while coupled to the adjacent reducing tee 435 andis candy striped in a curved or helical pattern down the length of thepipe. Forth mark 461 is located a set distance away from the end ofreducing tee 435. Because fifth pipe 431 and the reducing tee 435 areproperly sized to couple together, third mark 459 is identical in colorto forth mark 461. The applicant used similar hatching in third mark 459and forth mark 461 to indicate that the color is the same. The hatchingdoes not indicate a difference in materials just a change in color. Itshould be apparent that the color of first mark 451 is different thanforth mark 461 to indicate the difference in diameter between thecoupling and the pipe. It should be apparent that the difference betweensystem 201 and system 401 is that system 401 includes a plurality ofmarks arrayed around the diameter of the fittings and the spiral stripedown the length of the pipes. Arraying the marks and striping the pipesfacilitates easy recognition of the fittings and pipes without regardsto the relative position of the marks to the user.

Referring now also to FIG. 5 in the drawings, an embodiment of a colorcoding system for PVC pipes and couplings according to the presentapplication is illustrated. Plumbing system 501 is a depiction of animproved installation of PVC pipes and PVC fittings. Plumbing system 501includes a first pipe 511, a second pipe 515, a third pipe 521, a forthpipe 525, and a fifth pipe 531. Connecting first pipe 511 to second pipe515 is a reducing tee 535 also coupled to fifth pipe 531. Reducing tee535 has three ports: first port 535 a, second port 535 b, and third port535 c. First port 535 a and 535 b have the same diameter, while port 535c has a reduced diameter compared to 535 a or 535 b. Connecting secondpipe 515 to third pipe 521 is an elbow 541. Connecting third pipe 521 toforth pipe 525 is a reducer 545. A plumber or user can visually look atsystem 501 and verify that the proper sized fittings were used. Whatallows a user to visually look at system 501 and be able to verify theproper sized fittings in relation to pipes were used are the color codeson the pipes and fittings.

First mark 551, a pattern of two closely spaced shapes, is located a setdistance from the end of the first pipe 511 such that the first mark 551remains visible while coupled to the adjacent reducing tee 535. Secondmark 555, a pattern of two closely shaped shapes, is located a setdistance away from the end of reducing tee 535. Because first pipe 511and the reducing tee 535 are properly sized to couple together firstmark 551 is identical in color and pattern to second mark 555. Theapplicant used similar hatching in first mark 551 and second mark 555 toindicate that the color is the same. The hatching does not indicate adifference in materials just a change in color.

Third mark 559 is located a set distance from the end of the fifth pipe531 such that the third mark 559 remains visible while coupled to theadjacent reducing tee 535. Forth mark 561 is located a set distance awayfrom the end of reducing tee 535. Because fifth pipe 531 and thereducing tee 535 are properly sized to couple together third mark 559 isidentical in color to forth mark 561. The applicant used similarhatching in third mark 559 and forth mark 561 to indicate that the coloris the same. The hatching does not indicate a difference in materialsjust a change in color. It should be apparent that the color and patternof first mark 551 is different than forth mark 561 to indicate thedifference in diameter between the coupling and the pipe. It should beapparent that the difference between system 201 and system 501 is thatsystem 501 includes the addition of patterns to aid is designatingdifferences in PVC in addition to using different colors.

Referring now also to FIG. 6 in the drawings, an embodiment of a colorcoding system for PVC pipes and couplings according to the presentapplication is illustrated. Plumbing system 601 is a depiction of animproved installation of PVC pipes and PVC fittings. Plumbing system 601includes a first pipe 611, a second pipe 615, a third pipe 621, a forthpipe 625, and a fifth pipe 631. Connecting first pipe 611 to second pipe615 is a reducing tee 635 also coupled to fifth pipe 631. Reducing tee635 has three ports: first port 635 a, second port 635 b, and third port635 c. First port 635 a and 635 b have the same diameter, while port 635c has a reduced diameter compared to 635 a or 635 b. Connecting secondpipe. 615 to third pipe 621 is an elbow 641. Connecting third pipe 621to forth pipe 625 is a reducer 645. A plumber or user can visually lookat system 601 and verify that the proper sized fittings were used. Whatallows a user to visually look at system 601 and be able to verify theproper sized fittings in relation to pipes were used are the color codeson the pipes and fittings.

First mark 651, a circular shape, is located a set distance from the endof the first pipe 611 such that the first mark 651 remains visible whilecoupled to the adjacent reducing tee 635. Second mark 655, a circularshape, is located a set distance away from the end of reducing tee 635.Because first pipe 611 and the reducing tee 635 are properly sized tocouple together first mark 651 is identical in color and pattern tosecond mark 655. The applicant used similar hatching in first mark 651and second mark 655 to indicate that the color is the same. The hatchingdoes not indicate a difference in materials just a change in color.

Third mark 659, a diamond shape, is located a set distance from the endof the fifth pipe 631 such that the third mark 659 remains visible whilecoupled to the adjacent reducing tee 635. Forth mark 661, a diamondshape, is located a set distance away from the end of reducing tee 635.Because fifth pipe 631 and the reducing tee 635 are properly sized tocouple together third mark 659 is identical in color to forth mark 661.The applicant used similar hatching in third mark 659 and forth mark 661to indicate that the color is the same. The hatching does not indicate adifference in materials just a change in color. It should be apparentthat the color and shape of first mark 651 is different than forth mark661 to indicate the difference in diameter between the coupling and thepipe. It should be apparent that the difference between system 201 andsystem 601 is that system 601 includes the addition of different shapesto aid is designating differences in PVC in addition to using differentcolors.

Referring now also to FIG. 7 in the drawings, a preferred embodiment ofa color coding system for PVC pipes and couplings according to thepresent application is illustrated. Plumbing system 701 is a depictionof an improved installation of PVC pipes and PVC fittings. Plumbingsystem 701 includes a first pipe 711, a second pipe 715, a third pipe721, a forth pipe 725, and a fifth pipe 731. Connecting first pipe 711to second pipe 715 is a reducing tee 735 also coupled to fifth pipe 731.Reducing tee 735 has three ports: first port 735 a, second port 735 b,and third port 735 c. First port 735 a and 735 b have the same diameter,while port 735 c has a reduced diameter compared to 735 a or 735 b.Connecting second pipe 715 to third pipe 721 is an elbow 741. Connectingthird pipe 721 to forth pipe 725 is a reducer 745. A plumber or user canvisually look at system 701 and verify that the proper sized fittingswere used. What allows a user to visually look at system 701 and be ableto verify the proper sized fittings in relation to pipes were used arethe color codes on the pipes and fittings.

First mark 751 is located on the first pipe 711 such that the first mark751 remains visible while coupled to the adjacent reducing tee 735 andis candy striped in a curved or helical pattern down the length of thepipe. Second mark 755, a ring around the first port 735 a, is located aset distance away from the end of reducing tee 735. Because first pipe711 and the reducing tee 735 are properly sized to couple together firstmark 751 is identical in color to second mark 755. The applicant usedsimilar hatching in first mark 751 and second mark 755 to indicate thatthe color is the same. The hatching does not indicate a difference inmaterials just a change in color.

Third mark 759 is located on the fifth pipe 731 such that the third mark759 remains visible while coupled to the adjacent reducing tee 735 andis candy striped in a curved or helical pattern down the length of thepipe. Forth mark 761, a ring around the third port 735 c, is located aset distance away from the end of reducing tee 735. Because fifth pipe731 and the reducing tee 735 are properly sized to couple together,third mark 759 is identical in color to forth mark 761. The applicantused similar hatching in third mark 759 and forth mark 761 to indicatethat the color is the same. The hatching does not indicate a differencein materials just a change in color. It should be apparent that thecolor of first mark 751 is different than forth mark 761 to indicate thedifference in diameter between the coupling and the pipe. It should beapparent that the difference between system 201 and system 701 is thatsystem 701 includes a ring shaped marks around the diameter of thefittings and the spiral stripe down the length of the pipes. Using ringshaped marks and striping the pipes facilitates easy recognition of thefittings and pipes without regards to the relative position of the marksto the user.

Referring now also to FIG. 8 in the drawings, an alternative embodimentof a color coding system for PVC pipes and couplings according to thepresent application is illustrated. Plumbing system 801 is a depictionof an improved installation of PVC pipes and PVC fittings. Plumbingsystem 801 includes a first pipe 811, a second pipe 815, a third pipe821, a forth pipe 825, and a fifth pipe 831. Connecting first pipe 811to second pipe 815 is a reducing tee 835 also coupled to fifth pipe 831.Reducing tee 835 has three ports: first port 835 a, second port 835 b,and third port 835 c. First port 835 a and 835 b have the same diameter,while port 835 c has a reduced diameter compared to 835 a or 835 b.Connecting second pipe 815 to third pipe 821 is an elbow 841. Connectingthird pipe 821 to forth pipe 825 is a reducer 845. A plumber or user canvisually look at system 801 and verify that the proper sized fittingswere used. What allows a user to visually look at system 801 and be ableto verify the proper sized fittings in relation to pipes were used arethe color codes on the pipes and fittings.

First mark 851 is located on the first pipe 811 such that the first mark851 remains visible while coupled to the adjacent reducing tee 835 andis striped down the length of the pipe. While first mark 851 is shown ascontinuous, it should be apparent that first mark 851 could benon-continuous so long as a portion remains readily visible. Second mark855, a ring around the first port 835 a, is located a set distance awayfrom the end of reducing tee 835. Because first pipe 811 and thereducing tee 835 are properly sized to couple together first mark 851 isidentical in color to second mark 855. The applicant used similarhatching in first mark 851 and second mark 855 to indicate that thecolor is the same. The hatching does not indicate a difference inmaterials just a change in color.

Third mark 859 is located on the fifth pipe 831 such that the third mark859 remains visible while coupled to the adjacent reducing tee 835 andis striped down the length of the pipe. Forth mark 861, a ring aroundthe third port 835 c, is located a set distance away from the end ofreducing tee 835. Because fifth pipe 831 and the reducing tee 835 areproperly sized to couple together, third mark 859 is identical in colorto forth mark 861. The applicant used similar hatching in third mark 859and forth mark 861 to indicate that the color is the same. The hatchingdoes not indicate a difference in materials just a change in color. Itshould be apparent that the color of first mark 851 is different thanforth mark 861 to indicate the difference in diameter between thecoupling and the pipe. It should be apparent that the difference betweensystem 201 and system 801 is that system 801 includes a ring shapedmarks around the diameter of the fittings and the linear stripe down thelength of the pipes. Using ring shaped marks and striping the pipesfacilitates easy recognition of the fittings and pipes without regardsto the relative position of the marks to the user.

Referring now also to FIG. 9 in the drawings, a preferred embodiment ofa color coding system for PVC pipes and couplings according to thepresent application is illustrated. Plumbing system 901 is a depictionof an improved installation of PVC pipes and PVC fittings. Plumbingsystem 901 includes a first pipe 911, a second pipe 915, a third pipe921, a forth pipe 925, and a fifth pipe 931. Connecting first pipe 911to second pipe 915 is a reducing tee 935 also coupled to fifth pipe 931.Reducing tee 935 has three ports: first port 935 a, second port 935 b,and third port 935 c. First port 935 a and 935 b have the same diameter,while port 935 c has a reduced diameter compared to 935 a or 935 b.Connecting second pipe 915 to third pipe 921 is an elbow 941. Connectingthird pipe 921 to forth pipe 925 is a reducer 945. A plumber or user canvisually look at system 901 and verify that the proper sized fittingswere used. What allows a user to visually look at system 901 and be ableto verify the proper sized fittings in relation to pipes were used arethe color codes on the pipes and fittings.

First mark 951 is located on the first pipe 911 such that the first mark951 remains visible while coupled to the adjacent reducing tee 935 andis candy striped in a curved or helical pattern down the length of thepipe. First mark 951 includes a first indicia 951 a located inside thefirst mark 951. As shown first indicia 951 a is the numeral two howeverother indicia such as other numbers, letters and words are contemplatedby this application. Second mark 955 is located a set distance away fromthe end of reducing tee 935. Second mark 955 includes a second indicia955 a located inside the second mark 955. As shown second indicia 955 ais the numeral one however other indicia such as other numbers, lettersand words are contemplated by this application. Because first pipe 911and the reducing tee 935 are properly sized to couple together firstmark 951 is identical in color to second mark 955. The applicant usedsimilar hatching in first mark 951 and second mark 955 to indicate thatthe color is the same. The hatching does not indicate a difference inmaterials just a change in color.

Third mark 959 is located on the fifth pipe 931 such that the third mark959 remains visible while coupled to the adjacent reducing tee 935 andis candy striped in a curved or helical pattern down the length of thepipe. Third mark 959 includes a third indicia 959 a located inside thethird mark 959. As shown second indicia 955 a is the numeral one howeverother indicia such as other numbers, letters and words are contemplatedby this application. Forth mark 961 is located a set distance away fromthe end of reducing tee 935. Forth mark 961 includes a forth indicia 961a located inside the forth mark 961. As shown forth indicia 961 a is thenumeral two however other indicia such as other numbers, letters andwords are contemplated by this application. Because fifth pipe 931 andthe reducing tee 935 are properly sized to couple together, third mark959 is identical in color to forth mark 961 and includes matchingindicia 961 a and 959 a. The applicant used similar hatching in thirdmark 959 and forth mark 961 to indicate that the color is the same. Thehatching does not indicate a difference in materials just a change incolor. It should be apparent that the color and indicia of first mark951 is different than forth mark 961 to indicate the difference indiameter between the coupling and the pipe. It should be apparent thatthe difference between system 201 and system 901 is that system 901includes a plurality of marks arrayed around the diameter of thefittings, the spiral stripe down the length of the pipes, and theindicia located inside the marks. Arraying the marks and striping thepipes facilitates easy recognition of the fittings and pipes withoutregards to the relative position of the marks to the user. Preferablythe indicia are molded into the plumbing fixtures, however the indiciacould be stamped, painted, stickers, textured, and or not painted.

Because the plumbing articles are preferably PVC and will be hiddenduring installation an improved system to provide installer with a colorcoded or visual system during installation and a non-visual system afterinstallation is needed. Referring now also to FIG. 10 in the drawings,an embodiment of a color coding system for PVC pipes and couplingsaccording to the present application is illustrated. Plumbing system1001 is a depiction of an improved installation of PVC pipes and PVCfittings having a variety of devices for determining the configurationof the plumbing system underground without visual access and from adistance. Plumbing system 1001 includes a first pipe 1011, a second pipe1015, a third pipe 1021, a forth pipe 1025, and a fifth pipe 1031.Connecting first pipe 1011 to second pipe 1015 is a reducing tee 1035also coupled to fifth pipe 1031. Reducing tee 1035 has three ports:first port 1035 a, second port 1035 b, and third port 1035 c. First port1035 a and 1035 b have the same diameter, while port 1035 c has areduced diameter compared to 1035 a or 1035 b. Connecting second pipe1015 to third pipe 1021 is an elbow 1041. Connecting third pipe 1021 toforth pipe 1025 is a reducer 1045. A plumber or user can visually lookat system 1001 and verify that the proper sized fittings were used. Whatallows a user to visually look at system 1001 and be able to verify theproper sized fittings in relation to pipes were used are the color codeson the pipes and fittings. Once the system 1001 is covered up and notvisible a user can utilize a hand held detector 1005 to determine theconfiguration of the system 1001 without removing any dirt and rock overthe system. Detector 1005 has a display and an emitter to activate thenon-visible tags and an antenna to pick up the signals from thenon-visible tags. The display of the detector can be configured todisplay various configurations. For example the detector may have adatabase of tags signals correlated to various plumbing articles andthen display the plumbing article as the detector is moved along theinstalled plumbing article.

First mark pair 1051 is located a set distance from the end of the firstpipe 1011 such that the first mark 1051 remains visible while coupled tothe adjacent reducing tee 1035. Second mark pair 1053 is located a setdistance away from the end of reducing tee 1035. Because first pipe 1011and the reducing tee 1035 are properly sized to couple together firstmark pair 1051 is identical in color to second mark pair 1053. However,the distance between the pair of marks are selectively different betweenthe first pair 1051 and the second pair 1053 based upon a characteristicof the plumbing article, such as diameter, thickness, material, age,color, and other pertinent data related to the plumbing article. Sincethe material of the mark is magnetically reflective and/or ferrous thedetector can determine the size of plumbing article by measuring thedistance between the pair of marks. Furthermore, the pattern of magneticmarks can be utilized by the detector to determine the plumbing article.For example reducer 1045 utilizes three magnetic marks in the shape of atriangle to indicate size change of the plumbing article. The applicantused similar hatching in first mark 1051 and second mark 1053 toindicate that the color is the same. Furthermore, the shape of magneticmarks can be utilized by the detector to determine the plumbing articleas the user could see a square versus a diamond shaped mark on thedetector and identify the plumbing article. Additionally, the marks mayhave a varied density of reflective material such that some marks aremore magnetically reflective to indicate different diameters ormaterials of the plumbing article.

Additional underground markers such as mark 1055 and 1057 can beutilized to allow inspection of plumbing articles still in the groundand covered up. Passive mark 1055 is a radio frequency identificationtag “RFID” attached to the plumbing article that is remotely energizedand weatherproof suitable for being buried. Mark 1055 provides eachplumbing article with a unique identification such that the inspector oruser can walk along and analysis the plumbing system to determine aninventory of the plumbing articles in the ground without digging themout. Each plumbing article or each type of plumbing article would have aunique tag. Mark 1057 spans across at least two plumbing articles andfacilitates situations where the plumbing article does not requiremultiple marks for example a prebuilt set of valves. While marks 1055and mark 1057 are shown enlarged it should be apparent that theyactually relatively small as compared to the plumbing article.Furthermore, multiple marks 1055 can be incorporated into a tape torepeatedly identify a longer article such a pipe. System 1001 iscomprised of a variety of plumbing articles having marks for visualidentification along with marks that don't require visual identificationof the mark while the plumbing article is underground or behind a wall.Utilizing multiple visual and non-visual marks provides redundancy incase a mark is damaged or if soil conditions or wall conditions precludedetection of a certain type of mark. For example, if the system islocated in iron rich soil the ferrous marks might not work but the RFIDmarks would.

It is apparent that a system and method with significant advantages hasbeen described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosedabove are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified andpracticed in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilledin the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is thereforeevident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be alteredor modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope andspirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein isas set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments areshown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but areamenable to various changes and modifications without departing from thespirit thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plumbing article with a diameter and an outersurface, comprising: a first non-visual mark located on the outersurface of the plumbing article; a first colored mark located on theouter surface of the plumbing article, having; a shape selected basedupon the diameter of the plumbing article; a color selectively basedupon the diameter of the plumbing article; and a molded indicia locatedinside the first colored mark selectively chosen upon the diameter ofthe plumbing article; wherein the first colored mark is selected atleast based on the diameter of the plumbing article; and wherein thefirst colored mark is etched.
 2. The plumbing article according to claim1, further comprising: an array of colored marks located on the outersurface; wherein the array of colored marks are visible from all sidesof the plumbing article.
 3. The plumbing article according to claim 1,further comprising: at least a second colored mark located proximate tothe first colored mark; wherein the first colored mark and the at leastsecond colored mark are the same color.
 4. The plumbing articleaccording to claim 1, wherein the first colored mark has a shapeselectively chosen at least on the diameter of the plumbing article. 5.The plumbing article according to claim 1, wherein the plumbing articleis a pipe; and wherein the first colored mark is a stripe along thelength of the pipe.
 6. The plumbing article according to claim 1,wherein the non-visual mark is a pair of magnetically reflective marks.7. The plumbing article according to claim 1, wherein the plumbingarticle is a fitting; and wherein the first colored mark is ring shapedaround the fitting and is located proximate an end of the fitting. 8.The plumbing article according to claim 1, wherein the non-visual markis a RFID tag.
 9. The plumbing article according to claim 1, wherein adistance between the pair of magnetically reflective marks isspecifically chosen based upon the diameter of the plumbing article. 10.A system for color coding pipes and couplings comprising: a detector; afirst coupling having; an end; a first inner diameter; a firstnon-visual mark; and a first colored mark located proximate the end ofthe first coupling; wherein the first colored mark is selected basedupon the first inner diameter of the first coupling; and a secondcoupling having; an end; an inner diameter; a second non-visual mark;and a second colored mark located proximate the end of the secondcoupling; wherein the second colored mark is selected based upon theinner diameter of the second coupling; wherein the first coupling andthe second coupling are different couplings; wherein the first coloredmark and the second colored mark are different colors; wherein the firstinner diameter and the second inner diameter are unequal; and whereinthe detector can determine between the first coupling and the secondcoupling by analyzing the first non-visual mark and the secondnon-visual mark.
 11. The system according to claim 10, the firstcoupling further comprising: a plurality of colored marks locatedproximate the end of the first coupling and arranged in an array aroundthe end of the first coupling.
 12. The system according to claim 11,wherein the plurality of colored marks are arranged into a pattern; andwherein the pattern is selected based upon the inner diameter of thefirst coupling.
 13. The system according to claim 10, wherein the firstcolored mark has a first shape; wherein the first shape is selectedbased upon the inner diameter of the first coupling wherein the secondcolored mark has a second shape; wherein the second shape is selectedbased upon the inner diameter of the second coupling; and wherein thefirst shape is different than the second shape.
 14. The system accordingto claim 10, wherein the first colored mark is a ring around the firstcoupling.
 15. The system according to claim 10, wherein the firstnon-visual mark is a RFID tag.
 16. The system according to claim 10,wherein the first non-visual mark is ferrous.
 17. The system accordingto claim 10, further comprising: a molded indicia located inside thefirst colored mark; wherein the molded indicia is selectively chosen atleast on the inner diameter of the first coupling.
 18. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the first colored mark on the firstcoupling is permeant.
 19. The system according to claim 10, wherein thefirst colored mark on the first coupling is molded.
 20. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the first non-visual mark spans across aunion of the first coupling and the second coupling.